No Yellow Rags Here

Yellow rags are more than old dust-pushing cloths for cleaning, it's an old phrase for late 1800/early 1900 "sensationalist" journalism. Today we call it "the news" :-)

All teasing aside, Gwen and I would like to invite and encourage you to subscribe to our Partners in ParanormYA (PIP) newsletter. Although we have this blog and a Facebook presence, a newsletter offers a chance to provide early notification of coming activities, exclusive content limited to those who subscribe to the newsletter, even special contests that may be exclusive to newsletter subscribers only.

And the more the merrier! So tell a friend, and they can tell their friends, and their friends can tell their friends to stop by here, click on the Newsletter Sign up link, and subscribe today.

It's been an exciting year and we look forward to more good times to come :-)

Hers, Mine and Ours

I know it seems like the Partners in ParanormYA have been a bit quiet lately, especially after the blog tour. But the truth is, we are both so incredibly busy.

That break we were supposed to have after our blog tour? Didn't happen - for either of us. Even when I wasn't blog hopping or commenting for a week, I came back and posted. And then I was working on a secret project - you'll hear about that really soon. 

Here are some of the things we have going on:

• We joined a group of YA indie authors for a Black Friday - Cyber Monday extravaganza.
• We're having another group freebie on December 14 and 15th. If you like us on Facebook, you'll receive an invitation to the event. If not, we'll probably track you down anyway ;)
• Givin' Up The Ghost is on GoodReads for a print book giveaway, Neverlove just closed.
• We're involved in another YA Indie Christmas event - that's coming soon, too.
• Angela is doing an online autographed paperback sale from her author blog with some other indie friends.
• I'm planning (it's a secret, mwahahahah!) an event with another author for January.
• Angela is working on the second book in the Shadow Jumpers (Neverlove) series (I read the first page and OMG! That's all I can say).
• I'm working on the second book in the Indigo Eady (Givin' Up The Ghost) series.
• Angela is working on a middle-grade book (I read the first chapter - you are going to love it!) and a couple of novellas.
• I have a novella planned.  
• We have projects planned together - and we're not telling yet *winks*.

So, we have a lot of hers, mine and ours going on!

Are you as busy as we are?

What do you have going on?

Goodreads, Giveaways and Elves on Shelves

Don't forget that both Partners in ParanormYA have Goodreads Giveaways happening. Make sure you enter to win!:
Neverlove Giveaway
Givin' Up the Ghost Giveaway

Tis the season to be giving so keep an eye out in case more giveaways come down the pipes.

Elves on Shelves: Would you like a little elf on your shelf to help do the reporting for the Nice and Naughty list? Well, apparently this is an item to choose. The paranormal side of my brain just can't help seeing the many ways this could awry lol!!!

Do you have any special holiday traditions done with family and friends?

Devil and the Touch

Today, I was going to post about our One Lovely Blog Award given to us by the awesome Tara Tyler. But since my computer is on strike (I'm using the hubs right now) , I took the easy route and am posting one of our Partners in ParanormYA tour posts that didn't actually get posted.

Devil and the Touch

Let’s talk about touch - the paranormal kind - the kind that features in both Neverlove and Givin’ Up The Ghost, only in different ways.

Indigo (Givin’ Up The Ghost) is psychometric. She can read the history of an object, or person, through touch. For example, she is so sensitive to things she touches, that if she lifts a pint glass and the person who drank from the glass is a heavy drinker... you got it...she gets drunk. Wasted. Sloshed. Check out what happens in this scene when she wraps a hand around a pint glass:

I opened my eyes. My head pounded as I lay sprawled amidst broken glass on the sticky floor of Dickey Dan’s. The rank odor of stale beer assaulted my senses and I quickly rolled over and upchucked right there. All over Badger’s boots. All four of them. Looking up, I tried to focus. Badger stood there. Both of him. “Double the pleasure.” I giggled, and lay back. The room spun. “Whoa, someone stop this thing and let me off.”

As you can see, Indigo has the so-called ‘gift’ of touch, but absolutely no control over it.

Pam (a villain from Neverlove) on the other hand, has complete control over siphoning - the process of stealing soul energy.  Pam would like to be in control of everything, but siphoning is something she excels at.  For her, it isn’t stealing.  It’s survival of the fittest.  As a Harvestor, she sees herself as fitter than a mere human bound to Earth’s realms and rules, something she’s been doing for a long time.  Don’t ask her how long, though, or she may do this to you for general purposes:

Pam reached up and jerked the man’s face down. Her lips bound to his. He squawked in protest half a heartbeat then loosened like Jello.

Yeah.  It’s a kiss.  More like the kiss of drain.  Guess where his guy ended up?

Husband and wife laid side by side like heaped rag dolls.

No, Pam had no qualms about his wife standing there…not when his wife was otherwise occupied as a drained rag doll as well.

So, whether controlled or out-of-control, paranormal abilities – when it comes to ‘touch’ – can suck, or they can suck you dry.  Which would you rather have?

Big Swag Winner and a Lesson Learned

Hello Everyone!

With the blog tour over, there are a couple of things Gwen and I would like to share. First is a lesson learned:
We've both learned that humanity is so much better than we realize.  At least we know that writers - and the readers who've shown support - have been spectacular.  Wonderful.  Remarkable.

We've also gained a new insight on the far-reaching realm that is self-publishing.  That to find the success we want to find, we'll have to work for it, but it is well worth the work.  And we've gained each other, an ever-blossoming partnership and friendship we've come to truly cherish.  Breaking out with our YA novels as a partnership has been the very best and we're so blessed to have each other in our blogging lives, writing lives, just life period.

There's also a question of what's next for Partners in ParanormYA. Does it grow into something more or vanish with the wind? Gwen and I are both eager to share more writing under the PIP umbrella so, honestly, the sky's the limit :-)

Second, the Big Swag Contest winner is.... (drum roll please...)

Bish Denham!

You should receive an e-mail soon if you haven't already :-)

Thanks again, to each and everyone for your support. We'll continue to do our best to bring you stories to warm your heart, tickle your fancy, make you laugh and make you cry.

Get Your "I Survived The PIP Blog Tour" Badge

The Partners in ParanormYA blog tour was quite the epic tour for us. As much fun as we had, it was long and tiring. But don't think we didn't notice you were right there with us every step of the way! We all survived this tour together.

So, in honor of our survival, we made survival badges.

For all those who followed, read a post or two, commented once or twice, please choose a badge for your sidebar.

Congratulations on surviving our tour!

Also, we're over at Angela Orlowski-Peart's blog today, as sort of an after-tour stop. We hope you can come by.

~If you haven't entered, the Big Swag Giveaway is still going on~

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The End...But, Not Really

PIP HQ
Wednesday, 10/31/2012
Early Morning

Gwen sits at the kitchen table, steam rising in wisps from her mug of tea.  Angela sits across from her, turning a small pottery cup of green tea in her hand.

Angela: The girls did an amazing job with the decorations.

Gwen: I know.  And didn't use a single one from our stash.

*Both ladies giggle*

Angela: They tried.  I see they stayed away from zombie stuff, though.

Gwen: Can't blame them.  Being attacked by the walking dead can give you a new perspective on a few things.

Angela *glances at the recently replaced door*: Yeah.  You're right.  Still on for the surprise?

Gwen: You know it.  Since the girls tuckered out early, I was able to get everything ordered.  It's their last day on holiday, after all.  Then it's back to the books for them.  Can't let them go out without a party.  Authorized this time.

Angela: I'm going to miss this tour, traveling from blog to blog, seeing what new drama the girls can get into.

Gwen: It's not the end.  Not by a long shot.  It's a new chapter in our journey.

Angela: A toast to new beginnings?

Gwen: Agreed.

*While Gwen and Angela clink cups, Abby and Indigo crouch in the shadows nearby, smiling, giving each other a fist pound, excited about the "surprise" party, and even more thrilled at the mystery, fun, romance and action that awaits them in THEIR next adventures.*

****************************************************************************

Gwen and Angela are ending their blogtown tour at a blog that is particularly special.  Check out Literary Rambles (big hugs to Natalie Aguirre!!!)

And

Week 3 Winners are announced!

Shannen Aleene Romein - $10 Amazon gift card, Givin’ Up The Ghost ebook and 2 Personalized bookmarks

JC Martin – Neverlove ebook and Personalized bookmark

Jennie Bennett – 10 page critique and 50 page critique

Mary Preston – Personalized bookmark

Stephen Tremp – Personalized bookmark

Congratulations to the winners and thanks for participating! You will be contacted soon.

Halloween What?

PIP HQ
Tuesday, 10/30/2012
Mid Morning

Indigo *calling out as she enters the living room*: Gwen?  Where's Angela?  Abby?

Abby: In the kitchen.  Just got the coffee going.

Indigo: Did you see Gwen and Angela before they headed over to Tara Tyler Talks for today's visit?  You told them about the Halloween block special, right?

Abby: Yeah.  Insomnia is no good for you.  You conked right back out after Franny left your door yesterday.  I almost didn't start the coffee this morning until I heard you moving around, finally.

Indigo *blushing*: I'm better now.  So did they leave money for decorations?

Abby: Nope, just a letter on the table.

Dear Abby and Indigo,
Angela and I prepared for Halloween.  All the decorations are in the one place your party did not destroy.  Shouldn't be too difficult.  We expect them up when we return.

We'll be back soon,
Gwen and Angela 

Indigo: Hmmm...the one place the party didn't mess up...where's that?

Abby *shugs*: I don't know.  I thought maybe you knew.

Indigo *flushes even redder*: I don't know either.

Abby: We're so screwed.  Again!

Indigo: No, we're not.  If we can't find them, then we'll have to buy some.  Basil and Badger can help.  Then Gwen and Angela won't have to know.

****************************************************************************

There's a problem with Indigo's plan.  Can anyone guess?  Until the reveal that happens tomorrow - our last day of the blogtown tour - please visit Tara Tyler Talks for some curiosities answered.

A Franny Wake-up Call

PIP HQ
Monday, 10/29/2012
Mid-afternoon

After a paranoia/insomnia-filled weekend of shifty eyes suspecting movement from every shadow, Indigo eventually taps out to sleep early evening Sunday.  Night and morning have passed.  She's finally roused from slumber by an incessant tapping at her door.  She stumbles to the door and opens it, too tired to even step into her favorite fuzzy slippers.

Indigo *yawns*: What is it, Franny?

Franny: Why on earth do you insist on putting that pouch over your door?

Indigo: Keeps the evil away.

Franny *scoffs, offended*: I'm no such thing.  You weren't using it before your little run in with the Devourer and the Dark Shadow...which YOU started this time.

*Abby shuffles to join Franny at Indigo's bedroom door*

Franny: And you, too, young lady *she wags a wispy finger at Abby*

Abby: What? I just came over because I thought I heard knocking.

Franny:  Yes.  That's right.  I was just telling Indigo there's someone at the door.

Indigo: No, you weren't.  You were scolding me for Abby's idea.

Franny: That too, but there's a portly woman waving some piece of paper at the door.  My kind frighten the living *casts a knowing gaze to Indigo then Abby* Well, most of them.  Will you get the door?  Or shall I?

******************************************************************************
After an unauthorized party and battling evil villains, one woman at the door should be an easy thing to handle, right?  Until next time, check out our visit over at Dianne Salerni's blog, In High Spirits, where we share some REAL Partners in ParanormYA case files.

The Best Laid Plans...Have Last Minute Changes

Dark and Creepy Alley
ParaNormal Heights
Blogtown

Devourer and Dark Shadow face off, one a villain of Neverlove and the other a villain of Givin' Up the Ghost.  Neither of them appear overly fond of the other.  Actually, can't really tell with the Dark Shadow since it has no face, but the tension is thick, nonetheless.

Devourer: So what are we going to do, Dark Shadow?  Just stand here, look at each other?

Dark Shadow expands and contracts his presence, deepening further into a dark inky blob of doom.

Devourer: Hmmm...so that's how it is. *he snaps his finger*

*Two hellhounds spring free from their position by the Devourer's side.  A howl fills the air.*

*Abby takes another step back, foot clacking against something.  She reaches down and pulls up a Super Soaker Lightning Storm water gun.*

Indigo: Oh. Good. Thanks, Abby.  *Indigo plucks it from Abby's fingers and hands it to Badger.*

Abby: What the...?

Badger: It's filled with holy water.  Brilliant!  Indigo and I thought about it when we watched Supernatural the other night.  There should be one with a flashlight attached. That's for Indigo. Two more there for you and Basil.

*Digging in the darkness, the teens arm themselves.  Meanwhile, the two hellhounds attacking the Dark Shadow grow weaker, whimpering as they chomp and jump.

Devourer: Return to me.  *The hellhounds obey, both limping back.* No visible wounds.  I think I see how you work.

Basil: We're done with seeing how you work.

*Basil steps from the corner and opens fire on the Devourer and hellhounds, with Abby close behind.  Indigo flicks the flashlight on, landing the light upon Dark Shadow as she releases holy water. Badger barrels from the corner with a charging cry, water gun blasting.*

Devourer: What the he - Ooooow! Arrrrrgh!  I'll get you next time!

*Stumbling back from the surprise attack, the Devourer blends into the darkness, shadow jumping away with the hellhounds hot on his heels.  Dark Shadow loses its shape, its form dwindling to a mist that floats away.

Abby: That was awesome *fist pumps the air*

Indigo: That was dangerous, but it was fun *giggles and leans into Badger's embrace.

Basil: That was the end...for now

Badger: That's okay, mate.  If there's a bloody next time, we'll have each other.
***********************************************************
Some plans actually do work...with a little help from water guns filled with holy water :-)
Don't forget to join us today at Tyrean's Writing Spot where we share a bit of food for thought on physical interaction in YA fiction.

Beware: There Be Evil Here

A Dark, Seedy Alley
ParaNormal Heights
Blogtown

*Whoosh! A sudden burst of flames explodes before them. Badger wraps his hand around Indigo's upper arm and pulls her to his side.*

*Abby and Basil, hand-in-hand, hurtle out of the blaze.*

Abby: He's right behind us!

Badger: The Devourer?

*Abby and Basil join Indigo and Badger, driving their bodies to the furthest, darkest corner of the alley*

Basil: Yeah, but he's not alone.

*Two, three, four hellhounds growl and snarl, breaking free of the fire.  The odor of decay thickens in the air when the Devourer saunters through with a confident swag.*

Devourer: I know you're here, Abby.  I can smell the suffering still clinging to your soul.  I--

*The Devourer lowers his sunglasses, empty eye sockets pinned to the opposite end of the alley.  The Dark Shadow, its dark, inky presence, bristles at the sight of the Devourer.  A shift of cold air dwindles the flames to little more than embers.  The hellhounds crouch beside the Devourer, jaws snapping.*

Devourer: Well, well, well.  You're not still upset about my little jab at Susan Kay Quinn's blog, are you?

*Abby sucked in a chilled breath as the Dark Shadow responded, dropping the air into a frigid cold*

Indigo *whispered*: This is bad.  This is really, really bad.

****************************************************

It appears Devourer and Dark Shadow, two villians from two different novels, are about to go head-to-head.  You can check out what happens tomorrow.  For today, you can find Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown over at Linda Jackson's blog discussing "doing things our way" and Michelle Pickett's blog where the resident ghost Franny Bishop - no relation to Abby Bishop - comes to the fashion rescue for...hmmmm...who?

Mad, Barking Mad

ParaNormal Heights
Blogtown
Wednesday at Dusk

Previously at Partners in ParanormYA....

*Abby and Indigo exchange a glance. Only one guy sported sun glasses at night...and it wasn't because he was cool. And he was hot, alright...hell's fire hot: Devourer.*

***

Abby: For a start, we're on opposite sides of the war for souls. Plus, Basil was sort of his pet project and he thinks I stole him away. I'd sure like to get even with him for snitching on us to Angela and Gwen about the party.

***

Indigo: *shakes her head* I don't know why I let you talk me into these things, Abby. It's crazy, you do know that, don't you? It will have to be split-second timing, getting the Devourer and the Dark Shadow together at the same time. What if our plan doesn't work?

______________________________________________________________________

And now, back to the program...

*Indigo and Badger jog leisurely down ParaNormal Heights. A light mist clings to their clothing. The black, ominous clouds grumble, threatening to burst and pour their displeasure over Blogtown*

Badger: This is mad, absolutely mad.

Indigo: Barking mad. I am so afraid for Abby and Basil. Getting trapped at the end of the alley, behind the Devourer and the Dark Shadow...*she stiffens* He's behind us. The Dark Shadow.

Badger: *Grabs her hand and speeds up* Come on, then. And whatever you do, stay on your feet! I can't fight off a bloody dark entity on my own.

Indigo: Look! There's the alley.

*Indigo chances a quick glance back as they plunge into the alley. Dark Shadow, a black, misty, soul-collecting entity approaches like a whorling, nasty wind. Indigo and Badger sprint deep into the darkness, splashing through puddles and sewage. The evil mist nips at their heels* 

*************************************************************
A dark alley is certainly a barking mad place to carry out a plan of vengeance against two villains with a discriminating taste for souls.  Find out next time how things turn out.  Today, J.C. Martin, the Fighting Writer, has a few questions to pose to Gwen and Angela.  Meanwhile, "stomping it out" is happening over at Maria Zannini's blog.

It Was A Dark and Crazy Plan

PIP Headquarters
Tuesday
10:00 a.m.

Abby, Indigo, Basil and Badger are sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee and pouring over a map of the seedier end of Blogtown.

Indigo: *shakes her head* I don't know why I let you talk me into these things, Abby. It's crazy, you do know that, don't you? It will have to be split-second timing, getting the Devourer and the Dark Shadow together at the same time. What if our plan doesn't work?

Abby: Look - the Dark Shadow wants souls, and the Devourer has an abundance. This plan will work.

Basil: Of course it will, babe.

Indigo: But this plan to get even with the Devourer is....

Badger: ...completely mental!

Indigo: Yes. Especially when I'm the bait!

Badger: You're not going alone. No way. I'm going with you.

Basil: We'll all go. Indigo, you and Badger will jog down ParaNormal Heights. It follows you everywhere right? Lead it down the alley here. *points to a spot on the map* Abby and I will be at the other end meeting up with the Devourer on some pretext.

Abby: You just lead Mister Shadow to us, we'll do the rest.

Indigo: But...but...

******************************
While the foursome of our novels are coming up with their brilliant plan, how about heading over to Nadja Notariani's blog for a bit of lighter reading?

Not Cleaning OCD - Just In Trouble Again

PIP Headquarters
Monday
9:01 a.m.

PIP Headquarters is a pitiful sight this morning, with Indigo (GUTG) and Abby (Neverlove) all decked out in their Cinderella-like cleaning duds, hair tied back, buckets full of soapy water and Playtex gloves up to their elbows. Turns out, girls who have unauthorized parties must pay the consequences.

Indigo: This sucks. *she's standing on the bathroom counter with a toothbrush, scrubbing the grooves in the light fixture*

Abby: Tell me about it. *plunges her latex-gloved hand into the toilet and scrubs vigorously*


Indigo: So, what's that Devourer dude got against you, anyway?

Abby: For a start, we're on opposite sides of the war for souls. Plus, Basil was sort of his pet project and he thinks I stole him away. I'd sure like to get even with him for snitching on us to Angela and Gwen about the party.

Indigo: *nods her head* He's plain evil, just like that soul-collecting Dark Shadow who's always after me. *shudders involuntarily* Too bad we can't get them both.

Abby: Hey, that's a great idea!

Indigo: What is?

Abby: Getting even with both of them, of course.

Indigo: Now wait a minute, Abby. I was just speaking hypothetically. I didn't mean we should actually go after them. That'd be really dangerous.

Abby: *stares off into the distance, a scheming look in her eyes*

Indigo: Abigail Bishop, you get that look out of your eyes right this minute....

*******************************************
While our teenage characters are thinking about getting themselves into yet another "situation," perhaps you want to catch their prerecorded Character Spotlights over at Cherie Reich's blog, and then you won't want to miss the showdown at E.J. Wesley's blog, The Open Vein.

AND

Week 3 Giveaway!

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AND

The Big Swag Giveaway

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Keys and a Grin, a Scary Grin

Driveway of PIP Headquarters
10/19/2012
6 a.m. - ish

Indigo: Angela was cool to let us take her Nissan today.

Abby:  Yeah, we'll make it for our stop at Medeia Sharif's blog in no time.

Indigo: And I know we have to check out Elizabeth Seckman's blog.  I heard Gwen mention something about Supernatural.  Those guys rock.  So hot!

Abby *tosses the keys to Indigo*: Your turn.

Indigo: Sweet!

Abby: I'm a little concerned, though.

Indigo: Why?

Abby: When Angela gave me her keys, she was smiling.  Like, a scary grin.

Indigo: You don't think they know, do you?

Abby: No.  I don't think so. They can't.  Could they?

*Abby and Indigo leave things at that, hoping things will just get back to normal.*

*******************************************

Please check out Medeia Sharif's blog.  Abby and Indigo will be there.  And dive into a bit of Supernatural Fact or Fiction at Elizabeth Seckman's blog.

We still have 2 Giveaways going on!

Week 2 Giveaway

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Big Swag Givveaway

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1001 Ways to Use a Barrette

PIP Headquarters
10/18/2012
3:17 p.m.

A cute girl clasps her hands in her lap, legs crossed at her ankles, seated at the PIP HQ kitchen table.  A pink curl dangles into her face.

The interrogation underway...

Indigo: So you're Mrs. Windleman's granddaughter, from down the street, right?

Cute girl:  Yep.  Just call me Mynda.

Abby: Okay, Mynda.  Why'd you record our party?

Indigo: Chill, Abby.  We can work our way to that.

Abby:  We can't.  Angela and Gwen will be back soon from checking how Basil and Badger did at Candilynn's blog.

Mynda: Um, excuse me...

Indigo: I heard Gwen and Angela whispering about a stop at Susan Kaye Quinn's blog.  But they don't have their names down for the stop.  I wonder who it could be?

Abby: I don't think I want to know.

Mynda: Hey, look, I didn't record your party.  Total lame move.

*Indigo's cheeks flush red at Mynda's apparent lie.  She flips open the laptop and speeds to the end of the recording (something both girls were too frantic to do until Basil and Badger made them watch the recording all the way through).  A flash of a pink haired girl briefly dips her head into the bathroom to check her hair.  The picture shifts slightly as she tucks a hair behind her ear and jostles a barrette.*

Abby: You're saying that's not you, Mynda?

Mynda:  That's me, but you saw what happened.  It was that barrette.  This guy stopped me on the way here and gave it to me, just asked me to give it back to him when I left.  I didn't know anything about the recording.  I do look cute, though.

Indigo:  And you did it?

Mynda:  He was hot.  Cool shades on even in the dark.  And his smile?  So, yeah.  It was just a barrette.

*Abby and Indigo exchange a glance.  Only one guy sported sun glasses at night...and it wasn't because he was cool.  And he was hot, alright...hell's fire hot:  Devourer.*

********************************************

Just when they thought they'd nabbed their culprit, things get a bit more...complicated.  Why don't you go check out what the boys are up to at Candilynn Fite's Writerly Musings.  And don't forget to stop by Susan Kaye Quinn's blog to see WHO stopped by.

Damage Control

PIP Headquarters
10/17/2012
Eleven - ish

Indigo: Hurry in guys.  We really need your help.

*Badger and Basil crush each other coming through the door at the same time.*

Basil: What's wrong, girls?

*Abby sets the laptop on the kitchen table.  Pressing one button, LMFAO's "Party Rockers Anthem" blasts from the speakers, teens squeeing, voices talking over each other in noisy conversations.*

Indigo *face now a shade shy of Hot Tamale candy red*: That!

Badger: The party?  But who recorded the bloody thing?

Abby: We don't know.  That's why we need your help.  We read through Neverlove and Givin' Up the Ghost all day yesterday but couldn't pin a person.

Basil:  How long do we have?

Indigo:  Gwen mentioned they had a stop at Mina Burrow's today.

Abby: And Carol Kilgore...so it might be a while.

Basil: Then let's get started.  We have to figure this out before Angela and Gwen find out.  If they find out *shudder* Okay, I don't want to think about what would if happen if they find out.
********************************************
Oh, party rockers on record. Wow.  Devourer may have done them a favor or a disservice sharing this with them.  We'll just have to see how things turn out for our quirky teens.  For the time being, please relax Under the Tiki Hut and make sure to check out some books for paranormal and mystic minds.

The Devil in the Details

PIP Headquarters
10/16/2012
8:00 a.m.

*Indigo creeps into Abby's room, pitch black from the heavy drapes.*

Indigo: Wake up, Abby.  Something's wrong.  I can feel it all over.

Abby: I know. *sigh* I can smell him.  He's somewhere close by.

Indigo:  Why are you still in bed?

Abby *yanking the blanket over her head*: I don't want to deal with it right now.

Indigo:  Come on.  I've got goose pimples on my goose pimples.  Find out what he wants then maybe he'll leave and I can get some more sleep.

*Abby grunts, slings the blanket aside and huffs as she gets out of bed.  Stepping into a pair of jogging pants, she - followed by a flashlight-wielding Indigo - tiptoes through the dark headquarters to the front door.*

Abby: The scent of death is strongest here.  And put the flashlight away, Indy.  He's the devil, not that thing.

Indigo: Sorry, force of habit.

Abby *opening the door*: What do you want, Devourer?

Devourer: Good morning to you, Cleanser.  Hospitality not high on your list?  Don't answer that.  Here.

*Devourer hands Abby a USB.*

Abby:  What am I supposed to do with this?

Devourer:  Whatever you want.  *a mischievous smile curls his lips* Ta Ta.

*Turning away, Devourer strolls down the sidewalk with an air of perfection and ease.  Indigo yanks the USB from Abby, runs to the laptop and brings up the lone file saved on it.  Abby and Indigo both gasp.*

Abby: We're so dead.

Indigo: I'm so going to to hell.

****************************
What kind of trouble could they be in now?  While they deal with this new drama, please go by Millie Holmes's blog and Carolyn Brown's blog to share in the adventure as Gwen and Angela continue their whirlwind tour around the blogosphere.

What do you think is on that USB file?
****************************

AND WE HAVE WINNERS!

Week 1 Rafflecopter winners are announced below, chosen randomly by random.org.

Carolyn B. - $15 Amazon Card

Elizabeth H. – Neverlove ebook

Tara T. – Givin’ Up The Ghost ebook

Crystal Y. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Ellie G. – personalized bookmark

Shallee McArthur – personalized bookmark

Congratulations to the winners and thank you so much for participating and supporting Angela and Gwen. You will be contacted shortly for email and physical addresses where you'd like to receive your prizes.

THANKS AGAIN!

Let's Try This Again...

PIP Headquarters
10/15/2012
Afternoon-ish

Gwen and Angela quietly left in the morning for another week of touring the blogosphere leaving Abby and Indigo...at PIP Headquarters...house-sitting.  Again.  Good thing the girls are on holiday until the end of the blog tour.

*Indigo stumbles sleepily into the kitchen - ears flopping on her fuzzy bunny slippers - to put water on for coffee*

Abby *calls out from her room*:  Hey, Angela!

Indigo: Not here, Abby.  Her and Gwen are at Shelly Akron's blog.  Angie Sandro green lit them for today as well.  Just me and you again.

*Abby shuffles into the kitchen in her nightshirt and fuzzy slippers*

Indigo *eyeing Abby over her shoulder*: So what are we going to do?

Abby *eyes wide*: Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  Last thing we need is another Wild Cherry Pepsi scare.  I'm just glad Angela didn't notice.

*knock...knock...knock at the front door*

Abby: I got it.  Probably one of them forgot something in all their giddiness.

Abby *yanking the door open*:  What did you - oh, well, well, well.  Look who we have here.

*Badger and Basil smile their winning smiles with offerings in their hands*

Thank you Word Clip Art :-)

Basil: Can we come in?

Abby: Two conditions.  Me and Indigo change 'cuz you kind of caught us waking up and -

Indigo *yelling from the kitchen*: No parties!
*****************************************
What teenage girl could turn down a steaming hot burger and fries...especially when they came with a cute boy?  While they enjoy an impromptu lunch, please enjoy our posts at Shelly's The Life of a Novice Writer and Angie's Oh, The Things I've Learned.

Yay! Now We're On To WEEK 2 GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AND THE BIG SWAG GIVEAWAY IS STILL GOING ON!

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Franny The Ghost To The Rescue

PIP Headquarters
Friday
10/12/12
9:00 a.m.

Indigo and Abby are slouched on the sofa at PIP Headquarters eating cold pizza and watching Ghost Whisperer.

Abby: I am so thankful Simon was able to find some more Wild Cherry Pepsi. I thought we were so grounded. Angela would have instantly known we had a party...

*Indigo mutes the commercial*

Abby: ...and I still can't believe Badger got out of here without being spotted.

Indigo: Thanks to Franny causing a distration, you mean.

Abby: Yeah. How'd she know he was here?

Indigo: She didn't. Not at first anyway. She has a guest spot over at Ciara Knight's blog today and wanted to store her gown nearby. Imagine her fright when she opened the closet and Badger was standing there.

*Abby snorts*

Abby: I can't believe that a human guy gave a ghost lady a "fright," as you put it. What does a ghost have to be afraid of?

*Indigo shrugs*

Indigo: I don't know. But why does a ghost change her clothing every day, for that matter?

Abby: Good point. Hey, don't Angela and Gwen have two stops today?

*Indigo glances at the sidebar*

Indigo: Yeah. Their other stop may be at Books Down My Pillow, hosted by Cam.  Still in the works?
**********************************************
While our lazy teens are gelling in front of the television, perhaps you want to go by Ciara Knight's blog where Franny the Ghost Madam and Father Quanon the Priest are guesting together.

Badger in the Closet

PIP Headquarters

Blogtown, USA

October 11, 2012

Early a.m.

*knock, knock, knock*

Indigo peeks through the peephole and sees Badger, cute even through the wonky viewfinder. A smile spreads across Indigo's face. She opens the door and drags him inside.  Abby traipses down the hall to join them.

*Badger is empty-handed.*

*Indigo cocks her eyebrow, crosses her arms and taps her foot.*

Indigo: Don't tell me you forgot again? Two days in a row?

Badger: I tried, Indigo! Apparently there's a run on Wild Cherry Pepsi. I can't find it anywhere.

*The trio head down the hall to the entertainment room.*

Abby: Oh no. What are we going to do? Those were Angela's - if she finds out we drank her WCP...

Indigo: ...and had a party...

*Badger almost sat down on the virtual sofa, but changed his mind. Instead, he beat feet down the hall. Abby and Indigo chase after him.*

Abby: Where are you going?

Badger: I'm out of here. All I need is for Angela to find out I was here, and at a party here on Monday - she'll talk Gwen into making me the devil or something equally evil in her next novel. No, thank you!

*Voices at the front door causes a train derailment as the three teens collide in the hall.*

Indigo: Quick, in here!

*Abby opens the office door and Indigo shoves Badger inside.*

*Gwen and Angela come through the front door with Meradeth Houston.*

Abby: Hi! What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be at Meradeth's blog today.

Angela: We only had one stop today, remember? So we thought we'd give Meradeth the tour before we head over to her place.

*The girls share worried looks. The office is where they happened to shove Badger into.*

*******************************************************
While the girls work on getting out of this predicament, perhaps you'd like to head over to Meradeth Houston's blog. She's hosting us today, and we'll be talking about paranormal happenings and things of that nature.

Characters on the Hunt

PIP Headquarters

Blogtown, USA

October 10, 2012

11:00 a.m.

Potpourri clung to the air with a sweet and soothing appeal.  The Partners in ParanormYA entertaining room no longer resembled an after-party, throw-down, bash catastrophe.  Linkin Park's "Breaking the Habit" played low in the background.  Abby slouched in a chair, dust rag barely held by her fingertips.  Indigo lay half on and half off the couch with a feather duster in hand.

Abby: I can't believe the whole place was trashed.

Indigo: I can't believe it took us all day and night to clean things up.

Abby:  It wouldn't have taken so long if that ghost friend of yours didn't keep moving things all over the place.

Indigo: Franny can't help herself.  But I'll talk to her.

*Knock, knock, knock at the front door.  Indigo and Abby bolted upright and looked at each other.*

Abby: Can't be Angela and Gwen.  It's Wednesday.  I glanced at their schedule and saw a visit to Jessa Russo's blog for today.

Indigo: Don't forget about J.L. Campbell.  Gwen said they may be stopping by to show off HQ.  I was hoping she meant their new work space in the addition next door.

*Indigo crept to the door and checked the peephole.  Her lips curled into a grin and a blush tinged her cheeks.*

Indigo: It's just Badger.

Abby: Did he get the Wild Cherry Pepsi?

*Indigo opened the door, looked at his empty hands, and dropped her smile instantly.*

Indigo:  No.  He didn't.  We're in soooo much trouble.

***********************************************
Our teen characters have some things to take care of.  While they're busy working on getting out of possible trouble, please stop by Joy's blog to see how Gwen and I actually work together and visit Jessa's blog to find out something painful both Abby and Indigo have in common.

After the Party...Uh Oh

PIP Headquarters

Blogtown, USA

October 9, 2012

Some blurry time of the day

Abby and Indigo stood in the center of the Partners in ParanormYA's main entertaining room.

Both with wide eyes.

Mouths agape.

At some point during the party, someone found the decorations.  Streamers dangled from the ceiling fan in colors of red, black, yellow and white.  LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" single CD got scratched at some point and was stuck repeating "Every day I'm shuffling".  Empty paper cups, plates and napkins littered the floor, along with a trio of empty pizza boxes.

Indigo:  Oh.  My. God!

Abby: It's okay, Indy.  Angela and Gwen won't be back for a while.  They're headed over to Brooke Johnson's place today.  Heard Angela mention it had to do with killing someone.  I didn't get to catch the whole thing.

Indigo: What?!?!?

Abby:  Not "actually" killing someone.  At least, I don't think.  But they're also visiting Brinda Berry's place...something about taking ghosts.

Indigo:  Uh oh.  We're going to be in so much trouble.

Abby: We'll get this cleaned up in no time.

Indigo:  Not that.  Look...

*Indigo pointed a finger to the trash can.  Half a dozen Wild Cherry Pepsi cans peeked out from the garbage.  Abby gasped.*

Abby: Call Badger.  We're going to need help.

******************************************
Day two of the blog tour has started with an oopsey with our teen characters.  Perhaps they'll get the whole mess straightened out while all of you go visit Brooke's and Brinda's blogs

PIP Party Central Blog Takeover and Giveaway!

PIP Headquarters

Blogtown, USA

October 8, 2012

6:01 a.m.

Angela Brown and Gwen Gardner rush around, completing final preparations for the kick-off of their blog tour. Partners in ParanormYA Headquarters will be left in the trusted hands of Abby (Neverlove) and Indigo (Givin’ Up The Ghost) while they’re away.

They absolutely do not want to be late for their appointment with Alex Cavanaugh...

“Abby?!” Angela yells down the hall. She shoves a red sweater into her suitcase and slams it shut. She rolls it down the hall, sweater sleeve sticking out and dragging along the floor. “Abby? Where are you?”

“Here I am,” said Abby. She pops up from the virtual sofa.

“Good. Do you know where my book is?” says Angela. She begins looking around frantically. Under couch cushions, in the refrigerator.

Abby follows her to the kitchen. “You mean Neverlove? The one that’s releasing today?”

Angela nods. "Yes, that's the one."

“No. Never heard of it,” Abby responds.

Angela shoots a stern look at Abby.

Abby sighs. “It’s already on Amazon, Angela! It's uploaded and ready for purchase. You don’t need it. Now quit freaking out. It’s going to be fine.”

“Who’s freaking out now?” Indigo comes from down the hall.

“Angela.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Gwen’s in the bathroom and won’t come out.” Indigo plops onto the sofa.

Angela runs from the room. Banging ensues on the bathroom door.

*****

An hour later...

“Okay,” says Gwen, rolling her suitcase to the front door. “We’re ready. But where’s my book? Where’s Givin' Up The Ghost?!”

“Relax, Gwen.” Angela snorts and shakes her head. “It’s on Amazon, of course.”

“Oh. Oh yeah." Gwen turns to Indigo. "Now Indigo...”

“...and Abby,” Angela adds, looking at Abby pointedly.

“...if you need us, you have our itinerary. It’s there in the sidebar.” Gwen’s pale face looks as if she might need another trip to the bathroom.

“And Abby, do you remember the rules?” asked Angela.

“No parties,” said Abby and Indigo in unison. They grin at each other.  

“Yes, and...” Angela began.

“No boys,” the girls said in unison, once again.

“And, uh...” says Gwen, unable to actually finish a complete sentence.

“No rumpy pumpy.” Indigo’s cheeks flame.  

“Huh?” Abby looks confused.

“Hanky panky,” Indigo clarifies.

“Oh,” said Abby. “No, of course not. Well, you two better get going. You don’t want to be late for your meeting with Alex.” She makes motions with her hands like she’s herding chickens.

“We’re going, we’re going,” said Angela, headed to the door.

The door closes...

Abby and Indigo high five each other...

“What time is it?” says Abby.

“It’s party time!” Indigo yells.

Dancing ensues....

In case you didn't actually "get" it, Neverlove and Givin' Up The Ghost are published and ready for purchase on Amazon. How do you purchase them, you ask?

On Amazon!

Buy Neverlove HERE.

Buy Givin' Up The Ghost HERE.

AND NOW TO THE SUPERNATURAL, PARANORMYA GIVEAWAYS! WE'LL HAVE ONE EACH WEEK, PLUS THE BIG SWAG-BAG GIVEAWAY AT THE END.
FOR NOW, WE HAVE THE WEEK 1 GIVEAWAY AND THE SUPER-DUPER BIG SWAG BAG GIVEAWAY THAT WILL END 11/4/12.

YOU CAN ENTER BOTH NOW:

Week 1 Giveaway

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Big Swag Giveaway
ending 11/4/12

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T-Minus, 5...4...3...2...1

Count down for launch day of Neverlove and Givin' Up The Ghost has fallen below the double-digit mark.  Just a few days away.  A TGIF and a good-time-weekend separate today from October 8th.

Are Gwen and I nervous?

Psh!  No! (Actually, that would be a screaming yes but don't tell anyone.  It'll be our little secret.)

Guess who's not nervous.  Indigo Eady and Abigail Bishop.  When you return on Monday, launch day, you'll find out why :-)

If you have not already, please feel free to add either book to your Goodread's TBR list by clicking the title names above.

Thanks everyone.  And catch you back here for the fun on Monday, October 8th :-)

Audio-Visual Stimulation

Sometimes, it's kind of nice to share something...different.  Hope you enjoy this little blog tour reminder.

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.
The music is titled Reveal by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.

When One + One + One Does Not Equal Three

Gwen and I are partners - Partners in ParanormYA.  Our one + one equals two easily.  So imagine our surprise when we were casually approached as we sat sipping tea and eating scones - this is all happening in our imaginations, of course.

This strange character, more like a stick figure - literally, not a lick of clothing on the poor thing's lines-for-limbs and body parts, even the head was a wobbly sort of two-dimension shape of confusion - promptly announced, in an uproarious voice, "I'm in a book!"

Tea cups clanged against saucers, drips slurped from the corners of our lips and Cleo the Ghost Cat hissed and ran off to a corner.  (You'll understand Cleo once you've gotten a copy of and had a chance to chuckle at Cleo in GIVIN' UP THE GHOST).  Gwen and I exchanged glances and pasted on nervous grins.

"Good for you, uh, whoever you are," we said in unison as we dabbed napkins at our faces and the table to clear some of our mess.

"I'm in a book!" The character could do little more than repeat itself.  It had no ability to move.  Then I realized why it shouted.  It had a round "O" for a mouth.

"Who - what are you?" I leaned forward, curious.  Gwen eyed the character briefly then returned to her tea, shifting a wary glance mid-sip, fearful of another shout.

"Imina Book.  That's me.  Self-published.  Come to join PIP."

Gwen spat out her tea.  She put her smile on again and through clenched teeth said, "I don't remember putting out a call for additional partners.  Did you, Angela?"

I shook my head.  Curioser and curioser this had become.

Finally, I stood up and helped Imina to a chair, asking a million questions like, "How many revisions did your author do?  Did he do any rewrites?  How many betas had a chance to read you?  Do you not have a cover?  Any marketing at all?"  None and no were its answers, though Imina had a book cover that it didn't like so it hoped joining forces with us would give it some help.

Gwen and I were sad to decline the poor dear.  It was clearly overwhelmed and underdone.  We looked at each other, considering our own decision to self-publish NEVERLOVE and GIVIN' UP THE GHOST.

(Have we done all we can do to give our characters full life, breath and meaning; to make them three-dimensional characters readers can empathize with or connect with on some level?)

The days are counting down, publication date coming closer.  But as we helped Imina up and sent him back on his way, we realized how it was possible that one + one + one does not always equal three.****

For readers and bloggers, is there something you do or are involved in where you ponder if you're giving it your all?  Your answer may be too personal to put in comments, and that's understandable.  But Gwen and I want YOU to know that we value your time, your efforts and your willingness to give our novels a chance.  And we thank you because you are the difference makers in rallying toward success :-)

Where Do Ghosts Live?

Indigo Eady from Givin' Up The Ghost

Once again we are interviewing Indigo Eady, our expert teen ghost whisperer.

Welcome, Indigo! Thanks for being here today.

Thanks for inviting me, Gwen. I'll try to answer all your questions, but of course I don't know everything about ghosts.

Well, let's start with something easy, then. Where do ghosts live?

Good question, but not at all an easy one to answer. I'm not entirely sure. I believe there's an in-between world, between our material world and heaven. I once thought it was nothingness, just a black void, but now I'm not so sure.

What do you mean?

Take Franny Bishop, for instance. She's a nineteenth century ghost madam. She's sort of decided to take me under her wing and so she pops in at different times to check up on me. If she pops in during the early morning, she's usually wearing a dressing gown and her hair is down.

And? I'm sorry, I don't understand.

Don't you see? She's wearing a dressing gown. As if she just got out of bed and threw on her robe. And she usually wears her hair up, not down.

Ah! I get it. So, at least in Franny's mind, she's been in bed sleeping?

Exactly. But that's not all. She has a very elaborate and extensive wardrobe. She rarely wears the same thing twice. So you see, if ghosts really lived in nothingness, why all the wardrobe changes? She's always giving me fashion advice. I'm afraid I'm hopeless, though.  *sigh*

Are all ghosts like that about their wardrobes?

Not at all. Bart Bagley, he is - er, was, Badger's dad. You remember, he's the murder victim in Givin' Up The Ghost. He wears the same jeans and pendleton shirt every time I see him.

Hmmm, interesting. I wonder why that is?

I think it has something to do with how long they've been dead and whether or not they've accepted their deaths. Bart's only been dead three months and definitely has not accepted his death. Do you remember what happened in the pub snug at the Blind Badger? He was awfully upset. That's why he wants me to help him find his murderer.

Whereas Franny has obviously been dead for a long time and doesn't seem to mind being dead at all. And neither does Hannah for that matter...

Hannah? Who's Hannah?

Don't you remember? She's the seventeenth century serving girl from the Blind Badger pub. She's very interactive. Loves technology, which totally aggravates Riley. She's always messing with her cell phone.

That's right - the technology-loving ghost.

Have you tried asking them where they go?

Well - in the next book, A Ghostly Thing Surprised, Franny and I have a conversation about the Soul Collector. She does mention a community meeting...

A community meeting? As in...a community meeting of organized ghosties?

*Indigo nods* It reminds me of a cross between a normal society and....

A normal society and what?

*whispers* The Withers


The Withers? You mean the Withers from Angela Brown's book, Neverlove?

*Indigo nods again*

Whoa. That's scary.

*Indigo's lips flatline*

Flipping the Script - ParanormYA style

Gwen and I are thrilled to have another character visiting Partners in ParanormYA.  Basil, as you probably remember from NEVERLOVE's blurb, had a slip-of-the-tongue moment that bound him to servitude to, well, he doesn't like to talk much about that.  So instead, I offered to flip the script and let him ask me a few questions.

Yeah, so, Basil here.  I have a bone to pick - uh - I mean, a few questions for you, Angela Brown.

Angela:  Erm, okay.  So go for it.

Basil:  So you just couldn't let my parents be cool, huh?

Angela:  Oh, so this is THAT kind of interview?  Um, well, I mean, I don't know a whole lot of teens that think their parents are the coolest thing, ever.  But I'll admit, you had a tough cookie for a mom.

Basil:  Mother, not mom.

Angela: Oh, right.  That respect thing.  Got it.

Basil: Now, I admit, you kind of made up for it with Pam.  She was hot. *blushes*

Angela:  Well, good.  Glad you liked her.

Basil *quirking an eyebrow*:  I didn't say that.  I just said she was hot.

Angela *grinning wickedly*:  Well, what about Abby?

Basil: *stares off in the distance, glossy look to his eyes*

Angela *snaps fingers*

Basil: Uh...wait...what?  You got me thinking about Abby.

Angela *shaking my head*: Never mind

Now that Basil is thinking about Abby, I'm going to sneak off lol!!!

Um...hmmmm...that interview did not go quite as I planned.  But, I think I'm safe, for the moment lol!!

Has anyone else had an interview that went awry?

Indigo Eady on ParanormYA Abilities

Illustration by
Corona Zschusschen

Hello Paranormya peeps! Angela and I are so happy you stopped by. We have a very special surprise guest today. I thought you paranormYA fans would like to hear a little bit more about some unique paranormya (pronounced paranormia) abilities.

So today I've invited my main character, Indigo Eady, from Givin' Up The Ghost, to discuss the gifts she uses.  

Please feel free to chime in with any questions you may have.

Indigo, I understand that you don't like people to know about your special abilities. Why is that?

When I was young, I thought everybody could see and speak to ghosts. When I started school, I found out differently. When I'd pass a message from a spirit on to someone, they'd say I was lying. Then I'd get teased and the kids called me a freak and a witch and all sorts of unkind things. Needless to say I didn't have very many friends. That's why I don't like people to know. It makes them uncomfortable.

Can you share a little about these abilities with us?

Yes. I can see and speak to ghosts, and I also do Psychometry.

Psycho-what? 

Psychometry. It's the ability to read the energy or history from a person or object. I'm not very good at it though. Or I should say that I'm not good at controlling it. It, uh, often backfires.

Backfires? What do you mean? Can you give us an example?

Without giving anything away about the book, I can tell you that sometimes when I shake hands with someone, I get a vision of something from their lives, something momentous or important. It runs through my head like a film clip. If that person is violent or has known violence, it can manifest negatively. I have to be very careful about what I touch.

Manifests negatively? I'm not sure I understand.

*Indigo holds her hands out, palms up. Scars of all shapes and sizes criss-cross them* What most often happens is they blister. And I have to be very careful about picking up someone's pint glass, because, *she shrugs*, if they are a big drinker, then chances are I feel the results of that.

What? Do you mean - you get drunk? Just from touching the glass?

*She nods and looks uncomfortable.* I'd rather not talk about that. Badger didn't fare well the last time I...never mind.

Oh. Yeah. I do seem to recall...but never mind. Okay, then. How is it working with your new friends? They don't seem to mind about your being psychic.

No, they're great. They don't mind. Simon is my cousin, of course, and my best friend. But when Badger found out about me, he didn't believe me at first. I had to prove myself. The others, Badger's sister Riley and my friend Cappy - they didn't have trouble believing.

I have to ask this. You have an awful lot of mishaps. What's up with that?

*A big sigh* First, let me set the record straight. I am not clumsy. I'm really not. I'm...a coordinated person who uncoordinated things happen to. It's the ghosts and the Psychometry that keep me off kilter. I don't trip over my own feet or anything like that. I'm usually running from a dark spirit or chasing another one, or...*she pins me with her vivid blue gaze* you could help me with that, you know. You're the writer - you could fix that particular idiosyncracy.

*I shake my head.* I just write it as I see it. Besides, I think it's a very endearing trait, that you are, um...challenged in that way.

Please, Gwen. Or at least let someone else be the target for a change. No - wait. That didn't come out right. *clamps hand over her mouth.* I am so going to hell for that. It's just that Badger, you know...

Yes? Badger what?

Well, he's my friend...

Just a friend?

Yes, of course. *her cheeks turn crimson* And I'm always running him over and...well, other stuff. I don't want. I. We. Nothing. *sigh* It's complicated.